GARY LINEKER made a shock return to BBC Sport in the aftermath of England’s World Cup quarter-final win over Norway.
The Three Lions squeezed past Norway with a 2-1 win after extra time courtesy of a Jude Bellingham brace.
Micah Richards’ face was a picture as Gary Lineker jumped onto his appearance
Lineker ended up working with Netlifx for the World Cup instead of the BBC Credit: PA
ITV broadcasted the game, but BBC Sport provided some analysis of their own after the game.
Wayne Rooney was accompanied by Ellen White to breakdown the extra-time triumph with Lineker’s The Rest is Football co-host Micah Richards dialling in from New York.
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But halfway through the programme, Lineker barged in and disrupted proceedings.
As the pundits were debating the England‘s penalty that was ultimately overturned after VAR intervention, Lineker made his presence felt.
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Richards was sharing his thoughts when Lineker, draped in a red England shirt, jumped into frame.
Lineker said: “Definitely a penalty,” leaving Richards eyes wide and taken aback.
He added: “Come on England. Nice to see you all there.”
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The analysts were debating the penalty England were awarded until VAR intervened Credit: Reuters
Lineker, the legendary striker turned host of Match of the Day departed the programme as planned at the end of the 2024-25 season, but he was set to stick with BBC through this summer and host the World Cup for them.
But he ended up severing ties with the BBC a lot sooner.
A social media controversy brought on Lineker’s departure after he reshared an Instagram post criticizing Zionism that included an illustration of a rat – a symbol historically used as an antisemitic insult.
Lineker stated that he did not see the illustration, deleted the post, and apologised for the mistake.
Both he and BBC bosses ultimately decided his position had become unsustainable.
He is now found on his podcast alongside Richards and Alan Shearer every week, something they have taken to a video format on Netflix during the World Cup.
